What is the difference between happiness and satisfaction?

As I wonder every time about the philosophy of life, the question that make me think again and again that a man having satisfaction of particular thing is a happy? or can happy man considered as fully satisfied? Or happiness and satisfaction are the two sides of coins?

Oct 14 2013:
Dear Pabitra, I like your brief reply to that question very much, but would like to clarify it if you don't mind:
Satisfaction is when you have the solution to your problem. Happiness is when you have no more problems, temporarily of course.
Because the answer to one's question may not satisfy one, while humans are curious and always have questions which may not make them unhappy. On the other hand, problems do make humans unsatisfied and unhappy.

Oct 15 2013:
Dear Y Li,
Thanks. Happiness comes after asking many questions, whether or not one gets all the answers is immaterial. Happiness comes when human mind realizes that its natural make up is one of curiosity and inquisitiveness and its natural tendency is to seek solutions of problems. With that realization the mind makes peace with its own restlessness and starts to love the grand drama of life without any more question. That's how one becomes happy I guess. Funnily, at this stage one bothers little about happiness :)

Oct 15 2013:
Does this mean that peope who do not have questions, ambitions, or desires are happy?

I have a son in elementary school. He is rarely upset by anything or anyone. Teachers and peers love him - he is never aggressive. He causes no trouble. He rarely shows desire to join games with other children or to play with toys other kids play with. He rarely asks questions. He seems to be always happy...

He has autism. He can lay on his back on the floor for hours happily watching a spinning wheel on a toy. This is the primary source of sorrow and worry in our family. We feel sorry for him and worry that he will be very unhappy when he grows up, different from other people. He often puts on clothes inside-out, often cannot match buttons to the holes on his shirt. We worry that he will not be able to take care of himself when he grows up.

But... he is NEVER upset by any of this! Really, why is putting on a shirt or socks inside out such a big deal? Whose problem is it? His or ours? Are we sorry for him or for ourselves? Shall we strive to help him have desires and ambitions, like other people? Or shall we "accept reality" as is and focus on our own happiness instead?

Can you call unhappy a person who is unaware of his unhappiness?

For me, this is the point when I realize that I ask too many questions to which there are no answers. Therefore, there is no sense even asking these questions. "Funnily, at this stage one bothers little about happiness :)" Now, that I realize all of this, am I happy? This one last standing question ruins my enlightenment. But, funnily, I don't care much about this philosophy. There is enough stuff to care about.

The question "am I englightened yet?" is funny. If I ask it, then, obviously, not.

I shall attempt to reply to your comment in two parts, hoping you will not necessarily make any connection between the parts, other than what is intended.

First, I strongly believe Autism is not a disorder, it is a difference. There is no primacy of the social and educational learning order we have created. An autistic child’s brain processes information differently from others in the context of defined learning. The pervasive silliness to define happiness and fulfillment in life makes it more difficult for them.

Second, in my opinion being unaware of happiness is true and lasting happiness. That you do not care about the philosophy and feel that there is enough stuff to care about is a perfect philosophical stand.

The happiness that I am talking about happens when a mind stops asking questions not because there is no sense in asking them but there is more sense in not asking them. That leaves one’s mind with time and space for contemplation.

“Does this mean that people who do not have questions, ambitions, or desires are happy?”

Yes they are but only after asking many questions, having many ambitions or desires. If you have time you can check Mani Lal Bhaumik out and read his book, ‘Code Name : God’.

Oct 16 2013:
Thanks. I agree with what you say. Not because it is true or makes sense. Much of philosophy is not about truth - it's about point of view. Two people may look at the same thing and have radically different perceptions, both true, correct, and reasonable in their own way. I noticed that most arguments about philosophy and religion are of this nature. So, when I say that I agree, it simply means that we perceive these issues similarly.

Re: "The happiness that I am talking about happens when a mind stops asking questions not because there is no sense in asking them but there is more sense in not asking them. That leaves one’s mind with time and space for contemplation."

IMO, it makes sense to ask philosophical questions, but most of them have no sensible answer. They are not for answering, but for contemplation. They are, usually, multifaceted. The goal is to see as many facets as possible. When one thinks he has an answer to a philosophical question, it means he sees only one facet. Perhaps, it's better to say, "there is more sense in not answering them".

Oct 10 2013:
Happiness is a state of “Mind”, where as Satisfaction is the absence of “want.” Can you be happy and yet not satisfied? Yes you can. In a case of extreme poverty one can be happy and at the same time desire to want to improve ones condition. By the same token, satisfaction can be attain without being happy.

We see this every day, where a wealthy person has everything money can buy, but is still not happy. You sometimes wonder why, since “happiness” is a state of mind, why more people are not happy and since the rich are far less in number than the middle range income and poverty level or the homeless.

Happiness is also an emotion, were as satisfaction is not. You can choose to be happy regardless of your material attainment in life. Your belief system plays a enormous role in emotional well being. If you believe “less” is more, then happiness can be manifested in ones life without wealth.

Oct 25 2013:
Both "satisfaction" and "happiness" are subjective and limited by our experience, upbringing, values and consciousness. The difference seems to be in degrees: I am satisfied after a good meal but the ice cream in the end makes me happy. But if I haven't had water for a long time, getting water makes me satisfied but if the water is chilled it makes me happy. I am satisfied with my work of art but happy when someone else also appreciated it.

Oct 11 2013:
Wow. Such a good question. Thanks for let me think about new one...
For me, I think the main difference between happiness and satisfaction is that it is related with others or me, myself.
First, happiness is more related with others who care about me and whom I care about. People surrounding me makes me FEEL sth like happy, excited, sad, annoying, frustrated but after all, Happy! :) Also, I am pretty sure I never feel happy without SOMEONE not something.
The next precious feeling, satisfaction, I think, comes from ourselves, from our own mind. It is more about our ego. When we feel satisfaction, that means that reached our own goal or own ideal criteria. And that have few relations with others.
For example, when I am in lonely situation or spending quiet and slow sunday in my town, I am able to satisfy with a hot bagel with blueberry cream cheese and a cup of coffee. However, it might be hard to feel happy, because I have no one to share my thoughts and feelings.

Nov 8 2013:
I think happiness is a result of many different feelings such as appreciation, curiosity, connection, learning new things, etc. Satisfaction is also one of those feelings that results in happiness but is not happiness itself. Satisfaction builds upon itself and hopefully when a person is doing their best and reaching their goals, they are becoming more and more satisfied. However, in my opinion, a person should be happy but never be satisfied. Accept that your life is going well right now, and accept the state of life in which you're at (regarding work, relationships, school, etc.). But don't be satisfied and just stop there. Keep improving, while staying happy.

Nov 7 2013:
Happiness seems to me like a deeper feeling than just satisfaction. Happiness is probably also more permanent than satisfaction. Happiness is a general state of mind while satisfaction is more in the moment.

Nov 9 2013:
Sometimes I just have to laugh. Somewhere else it is stated just the exact oppisite of what you are saying short of your reference to a general state of mind and no one is correct or in error. What I find amusing is we are asked a question in which we are asked to interpet forms (plural) of the abstaractions happiness and satisfaction and there is so much diversity in the interpetations. I like the idea of happiness being a state of mind and I believe it to be our natural state or at least mine.

Nov 7 2013:
Satisfaction is to achieve something that was expected and for some people, sometimes satisfaction leads to happiness. Satisfaction is normally achieved when something is finished, but happiness is a feeling that can be enjoyed "during the process of achieving something"; happiness is finding pleasure in simple things, in other words, is to enjoy life. When we are hungry we eat and when you finish, you feel satisfied; but the feeling is totally different when we add some friends, favourite wine or music to this "dinner"... you appreciate every moment and even the food tastes better! I strongly believe that people who know how to value this "little things" that life allows us to add, are happier! Hapiness is CARPE DIEN, is enjoying every single moment in this long process that life is!

Nov 10 2013:
Ah, the little things. You have brought to mind the importance of the little things. They are the adornments on the Christmas Tree that brighten life and bring happiness. I know your happy because that's what you teach.

Happiness is somehow short-lived and intense, while satisfaction is longer-lived and smoother. Tied to each other in most cases, they define different states.

Happiness will bring high emotional activity and bursts of huge reactions, which can fall off quite suddenly. Satisfaction will bring a calm, peaceful and savoured feeling of achievement, which fall off more slowly.

I consider satisfaction to be a deeper but smoother feeling than happiness, which doesn't mean it would be weaker. Satisfaction can slowly or quickly activate or support the growth of intense emotions such as happiness. It catalyzes them and goes along with them.

As for me, i consider that satisfactions sustainability makes this feeling somehow more powerful than happiness.

Oct 10 2013:
When I struggle to see the difference between similar words, I often times find it useful to look towards associated words to more fully flesh out my conception. I would say that satisfaction, as a word and concept, is related to fulfillment. It requires that one feels as if an act/event/period has been appropriately finished, preferably successfully and to completion (though I am not sure that either is required). Happiness, on the other hand, is closer to joy. Thus, it is more free-form and less defined. Perhaps it would be useful to put it more concretely (though my example obviously requires subjective adjustments); one can feel fulfilled (but might not) after painting a beautiful field of flowers, but one can feel happy (but might not) sitting in that field. On a personal level, I find that happiness makes me feel as if I would like to move and laugh without reason, while fulfillment leads to me sitting down with a grin.

Nov 8 2013:
To me satisfaction is something you get from both short and long term pleassures.
Happiness is love, it comes from within yourself. And is forever if you choose to be happy. What happens is that many people doesn't realize they're happy because we are always thinking in: when this happens I'll be happy or I was happy when I was doing ...x..... long story short we don't live in the present.
We need to live right here right now and be thankful for everything we have and aware of all the blessings the universe
sends us. They can come disguise as bad events but in fact they're positive because is a lesson to learn!.
So, happiness is NOW!

Nov 9 2013:
Yes, Happiness and satisfaction or indeed two different things. Ex: you can satisfy your hunger with some food that may not taste good. After you satisfy your hunger, you may still be very unhappy.

I would go to the extent of saying that happiness is internal in your heart with no conditions, where as satisfaction pre-supposes a necessary requirement that has to be bet for achieving satisfaction.

Nov 7 2013:
To me happy is a more absolute state of mind, and feels stronger then satisfaction. Satisfied maybe is 'enough', happy might be 'very good'.
If back in school my score was a 6 out of 10 I would be satisfied. Enough to get to the next round. If I had a 9 out of 10, I would be happy, and reason to celebrate my 'outstanding' result.

But it's maybe a question of linguistics. English is not my mother tongue, so I might have a different perception of these two words, and in other cultures people might have different words with different weights to the the words. Like inuits have so many ways to describe snow, there might be so many more words to describe this feeling of well being?

In dutch the translation for satisfied is 'voldaan' which literaly translates back to something like 'fully done' (correct me if i'm wrong ;)) which implies there is nothing more you can wish for, so in dutch maybe a slightly stronger weight to this particular word then the english 'satisfied'..

In the end both are positive and I would rather place both on the same side of the coin you described.

Nov 10 2013:
You are bright in your understanding of words. I like the Dutch translation for satisfied but I would like to add more weight. There is nothing more you can wish for or ever was we have been given everything in our creation and time and understanding reveal that. I would like to leave you this quote:

I sought for many things, and found despair. Now do I see but
one, for in that one is all I need, and only what I need. All that I
sought before I needed not, and did not even want. My only need I
did not recognize. But now I see that I need only truth. In that all
needs are satisfied, all cravings end, all hopes are finally fulfilled and
dreams are gone. Now have I everything that I could need. Now
have I everything that I could want. And now at last I find myself at
peace.

Oct 14 2013:
For me, Happiness is a state of being or mind. It can be brief, but it can also be the "constant," the underlying state that I return to from brief upsets that manifest as sadness/grief/anger and the like. Satisfaction is connected to an act: if I do a task to the best of my ability, I feel satisfied. If I perform a service to someone that makes me feel useful, I feel satisfied. Sometimes that satisfaction is strong enough to alter my state of being to happiness (if I wasn't there already) and sometimes it is not. But satisfaction is always short-lived, because it's connected to a specific act.

Oct 11 2013:
The problem is in language. Happiness and satisfaction are personal. If you ask if I am happy or satisfied and I say that I am, you still have no Idea what I am actually feeling. All you know is that I am feeling something and I call that feeling happiness or satisfaction. Unless you ask me further questions, or I explain myself, we cannot come any closer to understanding. And my explanation may actually convince you that what I feel isn't happiness or satisfaction at all, but something you would name differently.
I would frame the idea this way. All human choice, all human action, is an attempt to have our needs met. Sometimes we chose in healthy, life affirming ways that are supportive of our relationships with others. Sometimes we behave in ways that are self- or other-destructive. To the degree that our actions lead to the meeting of our needs we may be satisfied and happy. To the degree that our actions are unhealthy and destructive we may feel that satisfaction and happiness diminished, even counteracted. In any case, we are never fully satisfied nor completely happy. We are simply too complex for that; and the idea of complete satisfaction and happiness suggests that we have stopped interacting with ourselves and the world, stopped having needs, and stopped encountering even the smallest conflict.

Nov 8 2013:
I am I certain situations happy. Happy for me is an emotion and all emotions are temporary. When I am happy, I have a hard time enjoying it because I know something will happen to make me unhappy. Satisfaction can be applied with a longer time frame though it is not necessarily perfect. Both satisfaction and happiness are based on comparisons of previous experiences. If you want to be happy, you must be happy in the MOMENT! that is the only true way to be happy. Let go all your worries or fears and just be yourself. Its not that easy to let go (especially when you have a reputation to uphold) but if you can let go, you will experience true, albeit temporary, happiness

Nov 8 2013:
At the risk of sounding crude, happiness is the orgasm, satisfaction is lying together afterwards. At first, happiness sounds like the thing to get, but once you've been around a while, you understand that satisfaction is what lasts and what really keeps things going.

Nov 10 2013:
Bryan, I can tell by your words you have woke up in situations wishing you were somewhere other than where you have found yourself and there is no satisfaction in lying there? Let's not talk about that although it's all part of the deal.

Nov 8 2013:
Happiness is a myth, at best a short lived phase or moment. Contentment, which I assume is synonomous with satisfaction in the context of your question, is submitting or surrendering to life. Your life.

Nov 9 2013:
In my experience I have come to understand the principle of Surrender. There are terms I became aware of after the fact. The terms are complete and unconditional. Total submission of my will to an unknown source. That does not happen all at once I am given time to comply. Are you happy, pleased, joyous, contented, satisfied with your surrender? These labels to describe the faceless, nameless unknown source of your gift of life always seem to fall short. If they are if fact dreams of myth and illusion I will take them over a my self orchestrated nightmare anyday.

Nov 7 2013:
i think happiness comes from a deep seated/innate contentedness with yourself, your place in the universe. its acceptance. Satisfaction has a sense of "ok for now". But still wanting more - not entirely happy or accepting.

Nov 10 2013:
I simply love your silhouette image next to your name. I can relate to the still wanting more and my problem with that is when I get more I still what more, more, more. In contrast to that I have found a solution and peace.

Nov 7 2013:
Shrinath, If you are looking for differences between happiness and satisfaction you certainly have found them in the responses. If you want similarities you will find them. You will always find what you're looking for. The search is fueled by what you want and we always get what we want so I must try to be mindful. If I look past the differences I can see both joined by the principle of Unity. Bound by Unity they work together as one. One does not conflict with itself, there is nothing to clash with. The answer is yours. How would you like your happiness/satisfaction fragmented or whole? I'll have mine whole w/cheese and hold the pickle. Must be lunchtime? Larry

Nov 7 2013:
As for me, happiness is much more wider. Happiness is the feeling, when absolutely everything is in harmony. And satisfaction is just a performing of one or two your desires, or satisfaction after performing a good job.
Well, happiness is better, I think

Oct 14 2013:
Perhaps, happiness can be defined as consistent satisfaction. Satisfaction is a one-time event. Happiness comes when we are consistently satisfied.

There seems to be two perceptions of reality in our mind. One reflects how things are, the other one reflects how, we think, things ought to be. When these two perceptions match each other on any particular issue, we are satisfied. When reality meets expectations consistently in many areas of our life , we say that we are happy.

There are two ways to make reality match our expectations. One is to bring reality up to our expectations. The other is to adjust our expectations to match reality. Which way is preferable, depends on the situation.

Oct 14 2013:
After 17 years of marriage and 7 years working as a quality manager in a semiconductor company, I prefer not to ask myself such silly questions. If you ask yourself "am I happy?" or "am I satisfied?" long enough, you will come to a conclusion that you are neither happy nor satisfied. Otherwise, you would not ask these questions in the first place.

As a quality manager, I know that there is a fine line that separates a good product from a bad product. The line is called "test limit". This line is both fuzzy and arbitrary. You can define this line for yourself at your own peril. But remember that eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil is the root cause of human suffering.

Oct 15 2013:
Thanks. The last sentence can be expanded. It's this question "am I happy or is there something that can make me happier?" that brings on misery. It is often followed by other vain questions: "Why is that other person more successful/rich/happy/beautiful etc. than I am?" Here come the concepts of justice/injustice and other nonsense. This is how the story of Cain and Abel directly follows the story of eating from the tree.

Forgive me a little preaching. I keep saying that this is useless philosophy, but, somehow, it is close to my heart. If you read my reply to Pabitra's post, you may understand why.

Oct 15 2013:
Thank you for the reply. I don't mind the little preaching....your insights and observations are very well worded and I understand and agree with what you have stated.

I think it is good to think about words and their meanings. But going too far can drive one nuts.

I think many times it is difficult to see potential in individuals, and then see them fail for lack of interest and drive......there is usually a root cause......at times, as in the case of school aged children, it may be boredom.......sometimes the mind is capable of so much, but the educators do not know how to reach the student with the teaching style that is best suited for them. It is tough Arkady.....but usually after some years, things balance out. Our job as parents is to love unconditionally, and to be there for them.....a lot of patience is required.

Oct 13 2013:
I finally found real happiness, with someone who made me laugh, taught me much, and gave me confidence. He died four months ago. I am grateful for the time we spent together, and SATISFIED that I have had a good life; there are moments that make me smile now but they are something less than the joy I felt back then. Satsfaction is being content with life as it is, happiness is when life is the best it can be. Wealth will not buy either, but poverty makes it harder to find either one.

Oct 13 2013:
Satisfaction implies that the person feeling it is aware that the subject of his satisfaction is complete. There is no need for any more development or growth (even if they are possible) because the activity has already yielded a full result.
Happness is not associated with the completion of a task at all, but it is a feeling associated with a particular temporary situation. It is a bit less profound than satisfaction but also it is more joyful because it depends on its existance alone..

Oct 13 2013:
Happiness is a temporary state of mind most often based on circumstances. You can be happy one moment getting a coffee at Starbucks and then on the way out your lid pops off spills all over your shirt and there goes your happiness. Everyone's always looking for a constant state of happiness which is not possible they will only realize that even though they find it they can't keep it. One moment you have it another moment you don't. It's like a one night stand.
Satisfaction is when no matter what you have or what state of mind you are in it is enough. It is like a marriage. It is meant to be long term it is a place of rest.

Oct 11 2013:
Happiness is what you feel while walking in a certain direction.
Satisfaction is what you feel right before taking one more step forward.

So.., you need to know where to walk as much as you need to walk it.

Happiness is a state and satisfaction is a very intense fraction of happiness. Is like.., words in bold... from the same book.

------ That´s my answer -----

------ Now a bit of crap -----

What direction is that? Well my friend, you are the only one who knows, or at least the only one who has, soon or later, realize from within, and so.., sooner or later, bet on it without excuses. And If you don´t know now, that´s normal. (I bet you know a few things where to start from, huh?)

Tips: Don´t lie to yourself, just do what feels right deep inside, one day, and another, and you will find yourself walking. Then you will know.

Oct 11 2013:
Goye P: Your first two lines are incredible..but I have contradiction with "Happiness is a state and satisfaction is a very intense fraction of happiness" . I think ; satisfaction is a state which is positive element of life and happiness should not depend on any external conditions, it should be governed by our mental attitude.So,according to me the directions of happiness and satisfaction are parallel and directly proportional to each other..

Oct 11 2013:
Shrinath... true happiness is that facet of life that always comes from within. One could never enjoy happiness by materialistic wealth alone. True happiness can only be gained by undertaking spiritual journey, path of nishkama karma yoga that always led towards God Almighty. One always feels happy, stages of intermittent bliss indulging in sacred Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism.

Satisfaction is a faculty of physical manifest world. Whatever our approach or goal of life... one can find satisfaction at any stage of life! The level of satisfaction always varied with different individuals. Something that gives satisfaction to one may be highly unsatisfactory for another. As we mature, realize inherent values of life... our satisfaction standard fluctuates.

What gave satisfaction in yesteryears seemed out of date now. With time... we improved our perception. More the inherent intelligence... higher the level of perception! A truly successful person in life could not be easily satisfied. One demanded highest level of perfection to feel totally satisfied.

Oct 11 2013:
the happiness belong to the emotions ,the satisfaction belong to the mind ,the emotional happiness turn around the moment ,the minded happiness turn around our lives (past,future and moment) ;the perfect moment of happiness is in need of the spontaneity ,the perfect satisfaction with our mind it depends the spontaneity of the habits ,the origine and the goal of the satisfaction is the spontaniety to being happy ,the happiness by realising your goals (the goal will explain the way) it's the pure mind or statisfaction without real happiness when the goals is against the ethics and we'll be happy satisfied when the goals of our logic return into the principals of our hearts.

Oct 10 2013:
I make difference like this.
Happiness is natural way to feel joy. Anything can make you feel happy. Cup of tea, sunny day, first strawberry, floral park, somebodies smile. Happiness is pure energy in the human being. And it's just question of skill or choise, would that energy will be turn on, or turn off.
Satisfaction is kind of happiness. It's often in relationship with career and job, so I'll be free to say that satisfaction has kind of society form, and its society determined. Satisfaction- afterwards hard trying, + pretty often in package with happiness. :)

No! happiness is not satisfaction. A happy person must not be think as a satisfied one, because his/her satisfaction is ephemeral. This kind of satisfaction is assumed. No Shrinath! this must not be consider as a satisfaction.

Happiness is when something has been achieved as desired. It is always result oriented. A man can not be happy if he makes efforts to gain something but fails. One happiness is always the origin of another new aim. A target is achieved and happiness comes but this happiness is not long lasting kind of. Happiness makes a man restless. Another bigger aim or target takes place in one's mind for bigger happiness. And this goes on.... there is no end.

But Satisfaction is desire-less state of mind. Satisfied person is not result oriented. If a satisfied person makes efforts, his/her happiness or unhappiness is not tied up with the result or outcome.

Oct 10 2013:
Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your group of wonderful people. One thing I would like to say before I sign off: Remember the words that come out of your mouth will either help someone "live" or "die".

Be happy, smile and speak beautiful things to all people. Good night all.

Oct 12 2013:
" Be happy, smile and speak beautiful things to all people....Remember the words that come out of your mouth will either help someone "live" or "die".....so true....and well advised!!....it matters what we say because we are responsible for our words.

Nov 7 2013:
In my mind the difference began that in every inch of happiness there is satisfaction, but not in every satisfaction is happiness. why? Because sometimes you are doing, for example, a work. You may feel satisfaction of ending it, but perhaps no happiness because it was something you didnt like and that was the main reason why it was satisfaction but not happiness.

Nov 6 2013:
Hello Shrinath, I find your question very abstract, and interesting. I see a close association between happiness and satisfaction and I see what is on the flip side of the coins, unhappiness and dissatisfaction. If you give a child a toy they like, they are happy and satisfied, they play. If it breaks what have you? The child grows up buys a new car and it gets a scratch, what have you? My answer to the question of "What is the difference between happiness and satisfaction" is simply very little if any difference, somewhat like measuring in metric or standard. The question of what brings lasting happiness and satisfaction versus temporary is where the greater differences formulate. Best Regards, Larry

Nov 5 2013:
This maybe ain't good answer on your question, but I can say that people who are jealous of others aren't jealous about their money, car, etc. In fact, they are most jealous of their happiness, actually of their life satisfaction - ability to enjoy in things you have and ability to appreciate that things.

Nov 4 2013:
I think the answer is rooted in the "words". To have "happiness" something specific has to "happen". For instance, you would need to get a certain amount of money, or a specific promotion, or something good would have to happen in order for you to be "happy". If those things DON'T happen, than there is no happiness. For instance, It is hard to be happy when say... you lose your job, or lose a promotion. Therefore, happiness is a constant quest, and one that is never really fulfilled permanently.

Satisfaction, however requires nothing specific. It means you can meet life right where you are, and realize you have everything you need for the moment (because we always do). It means even if we lose our job, or a promotion, or even if we are completely broke - we can realize everything in life is just how it is supposed to be. That everything happening is meant for our growth, learning, and healing. That underneath all the external drama, deep inside, everything is just how it should be. That we have everything we need. That is satisfaction, or what I like to call joy. It is a lot easier to keep than happiness :)

Nov 1 2013:
Hi Shrinath, isn't it just a matter of the definition of the words?
If you're happy, at some point (some degree) that happiness turns into satisfaction.
If you're satisfied, definitely you're happy.

Oct 29 2013:
Happiness and satisfaction are, like all emotions, based on beliefs. What we believe, we perceive. If I believe I am responsible for my thoughts, then external, worldly events will not affect my happiness or satisfaction. My mental thoughts determine if I am happy or satisfied, not anything outside of myself. If I am happy it’s because I choose to be, if I am satisfied it’s because I choose to be. The answer is not what we feel, but what we think, for what we think determines what we feel.

Oct 27 2013:
Despite the fleeting value of possessions, I see that wealth can still exert a powerful attraction. In a recent survey in the United States, 75 percent of all first-year university students described their principal goal in life as being “financially very well off.” Even if they reached their goal, would they be truly happy? Not necessarily. Researchers have noted that an emphasis on materialism is, in fact, a hindrance to happiness and satisfaction. A long time ago, Solomon had already reached that same conclusion. He wrote: “I accumulated also silver and gold for myself, and property peculiar to kings . . . And, look! everything was vanity and a striving after wind.”* (Eccl. 2:8, 11) In contrast, if we use our life to serve the true God, Jehovah and do it wholeheartedly, well then, we will receive true happiness along with satisfaction a blessing that comes with true riches.—Read Proverbs 10:22.

Oct 27 2013:
In my view: the difference is in what we are taught about them. if we go towards the literal emotion content of these words they represents two different types of emotions which have different psychological effect. but both emotional content are of positive nature and their psychological effect can be different according to the nature of people. some will feel more positive and strong with the effect of happiness where as some will be with satisfaction.

i guess i would rather see them as words and try to do as much as possible with my life. cheers

Oct 25 2013:
i like this question as it brings the microscope a little closer to the issue: many ways to address this! one , is that to be on the elevated platform of happiness, you must have already passed the level to which you have satisfied a certain number of self determined criteria that are purely personal in nature. once that is achieved, the excess of the same at the refined qualities further brings you closer to a more elusive elated state of satisfaction/happiness with no margin to segregate one from the other. the key to remember is that , it takes very little to be happy and hence live in a state of happiness, yet, takes alot more to be satisfied, as it defines sets of barriers to conquer and pass through.

Oct 25 2013:
If we achieve what we have expected its satisfaction.
If we have come upon more than we have expected then its Happiness.
Example: In Job, if you get bonus(money) for your performance its satisfaction. If you get your surprise promotion along with the bonus than its Happiness.

Oct 24 2013:
Satisfaction is the compoetion of the elementary things which you wants to do but happiness is the result of the collective satisfactions. In my point of view happiness is holistic and associated with our eternity.

Oct 23 2013:
Satisfaction is one of the main human personality. We must therefore go through the sieve of his desires reason and ruthlessly eliminate anyone who is not natural and necessary, all those who are vain, artificial, unnecessary or excessive. Our desires are infinite.which means that there is no complete satisfaction but just a temporary and limited satisfaction with moderate happiness. which will soon be replaced by a deeper desire we also want to meet and so on. Indeed, it is the anxieties, passions, unfulfilled desires that trouble our souls, we are suffering and prevent us from being happy. Happiness lies in the pleasure which itself is in the absence of suffering.

Oct 23 2013:
Satisfaction is when all your needs, wants and desires are met, and when your goals are achieved. It is a feeling of fulfillment.
Happiness is an emotion, and can also refer to a warm feeling. It is relevant to note that though some people are happy, they aren't really pleased with their lives.
Usually, happiness is short term while satisfaction is long term.
You can be happy and yet not satisfied, but when you're satisfied you're always happy.

Oct 23 2013:
Satisfaction is an attitude, a paradigm, a world view. You can choose whether to be satisfied or unsatisfied with how successful you are, how much you have, or how you live life. It is a question of "how much?" Some people are never satisfied, and some are satisfied with very little. Satisfaction is a frame of reference, and it can shift with experience.

Happiness is a feeling, an emotion. To a degree, it is related to satisfaction; it is much easier to be happy when you're satisfied, than when you're unsatisfied. But it's only a part of the complex emotional networking in our brains, which can also be fired up over something as simple as food or laughter. Happiness can be influenced by attitude, but I think it is largely unconscious. Our happiness "level" is based on how we respond emotionally to everyday stimuli.

That being said:
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." -Mohandas Gandhi

Oct 21 2013:
The satisfaction is linked to temporary circumstances, and to that very moment (something like "nowism"), but alone is not happiness. Happiness is feeling happy even when we are not satisfied of something.

Oct 20 2013:
Have we ever considered that our society is driven by a message of mankind never being content or satisfied? Our economic system is driven solely by human beings acquiring more and never being satisfied with what we have. The message is ......get the newer car, better smart phone, bigger house, latest designer clothes and the list is endless.
The things of this world are like chasing after the wind. In the end one is left with the pain of reality and a empty hole only God can fill. I've learned that Worldly happiness is short lived because the things of this world can be taken away.
For me, true and lasting satisfaction comes me from being in right relationship with my creator God. The happy life is a selfless life lived in the trust, and to the glory of GOD.

Oct 15 2013:
To differentiate these two emotions, guess we could base on the theory of the Hierarchy of Needs, proposed by A.H.Maslow.

The five needs include Physiological needs,Safety needs,Love and belonging needs,Esteem needs and Self-actualization(Over Actualization) . We human being have the pursuit of all these needs, while animals only have the first two,physiological needs and safety needs.You may argue some animals also have a emotion of group consciousness , like wolves, as they always live together , hunt together and cooperate well.But to some extent, this emotion or need to live like a group is derived from the first two needs in the needs hierarchy - Safety and Physiological.That is because without the assistance of other members' , it's hard to get the food or a shelter.

So when we successfully met our physical needs, we just get ourselves satisfied, just like a lion kill a deer and make a hearty meal.It's the satisfaction, not happiness...

Oct 14 2013:
Satisfaction is preceded by tension.
Happiness is a positive state of mind, similar to satisfaction, but it does not require the lessening or ending of a preceding tension.
The memory of the tension is of limited time span, so as soon as the memory of the tension has passed away, the period of satisfaction ends. Happiness is a broader state of mind, and be sustained by a series of happy memories or activities. There is no inherent end to happiness, although the arrival of life's problems and stress are able to divert us from our happy state of mind.

Oct 14 2013:
I think happiness is to do with soul (inner body), it is suppose to be permanent in contrast to pleasure which is to do with body and is ephemeral or temporary. It is where your inner self is in harmony with its surrounding (people, society, earth etc.) including its body that contains inner self.

Satisfaction to me is being at peace with ones current state/ situation in relation to ones efforts.

Oct 15 2013:
Well - look at it this way: There is a very hungry man. I feel sorry for him, so I buy him a good lunch. After eating, he is satisfied - I can see it in his face. But he may not be happy - for various reasons! On the other hand - there is a man who's been in an accident. He wakes up in the hospital and finds out he has fractured his leg. He is suffering - mentally and physically. Sometime later, his wife comes to the hospital with the good news that he has won the lottery; they are a million dollars richer. Wow - he is happy indeed - in spite of the phisical discomfort and pain. In fact, for a few moments the emotion of happiness had taken over - he did not feel the pain!!

Oct 15 2013:
Good point - and points up the weakness of the English language. For there is that "other" emotion - another thing I call satisfaction - that comes at a deep level and is the result of "behaving well in the world." It isn't happiness, (at least for me) because happiness has a bit of buoyancy about it, a flavor of joy (though doesn't have the body rush of joy). I have felt this form of satisfaction simultaneously with sadness, melancholy. It is a bone-deep feeling that lightens the load if one is melancholy, while lifting happiness into a different plane if that is the main mood. It's a strong feeling, though a very quiet, inward-facing emotion. Is there another word I've missed? Or do we have to share this one with two different things? Or - wait - perhaps they aren't different? Perhaps there is a secret hunger to help others, to "behave well in the world" that western culture ignores in the rush to "success." But still there is difference - if I eat and satisfy my hunger, I don't want another meal until the hunger returns. Where as, if I do something useful and am aware of it, (receive meaningful thanks) then I feel strong and it inspires me to do more. Not to receive the thanks, but to be useful. Our culture speaks little of the need to be useful, but it lurks there, and emerges at last when the trappings of success pale...

Oct 15 2013:
Look, you are hungry......someone offers you a liverwurst sandwich. You are very very hungry, and you hate liverwurst. But you have no other food and you know you need to eat. So, you eat the sandwich, and your stomach stops growling. So you've satisfied your hunger. But you are not happy because you hate the taste of liverwurst in your mouth.

Same scenario, different words. You are offered a liverwurst sandwich. You are very hungry, and so you eat the sandwich, even though you are not satisfied with this offering. You are happy that you are no longer hungry, but you are not satisfied, in that you did not eat what you would have liked.